IS Claims Egypt Attack; 1 Policeman Dead, 3 Injured

A policeman was killed and three others were injured after suspected Islamic State terrorists opened fire on a security checkpoint near Saint Catharine monastery in Egypt's South Sinai, the Ministry of Interior has said.

Damage from the explosion inside Cairo's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral is seen inside the cathedral in Cairo, Egypt REUTERS (File photo)

Cairo: A policeman was killed and three others were injured after suspected Islamic State terrorists opened fire on a security checkpoint near Saint Catharine monastery in Egypt's South Sinai, the Ministry of Interior has said.

According to the SITE Intelligence Group, the IS-affiliated Amaq news agency announced that the group's militants carried out the attack on Tuesday.

The gunmen targeted a security checkpoint outside the monastery where they exchanged fire with police forces, a statement by the ministry said.

In retaliatory firing by police, some attackers were injured which forced them to flee, the statement added.

The injured have been transferred to Sharm El-Shiekh International Hospital for treatment, security officials said.